.45acp vs. .40 caliber?

skydiver3346 · January 31, 2008, 06:37 PM

If you could only choose only one pistol for home defense or personal protection, which would you choose? Considering all things equal, (such as good mfg and dependability, price, etc), Would you choose a .45acp or .40? Should not make any difference if it is a Glock, Sig. etc. It is strictly caliber only. Thanks, Rick

one7685 · January 31, 2008, 06:42 PM

Well personally I would choose the .40. Considering I just bought a .40 and passed on a .45. I think the .40 is a versatile round with the power of a .45 and the control of a 9mm.

patrol · January 31, 2008, 06:46 PM

12 guage shotgun.

MACVSOG · January 31, 2008, 06:46 PM

Hi

At least for me ... I like the stopping power of cal.45.
I have an Ultra CDP from Kimber and the only difference in that frame is that in cal .40 you have more rounds. But remember the issue is for self defense no for combat. If you are unable to use 7 or 8 rounds for defend yourself and escape alive something is wrong.

Good luck with your choice...

Mac

Project Galileo · January 31, 2008, 06:50 PM

.45 for me.

fairview mick · January 31, 2008, 06:51 PM

I like the .45 and all the 1911's but, I really belive that if you research the ballistics of both, you'll find the .40 has a little more muzzle energy. The .40 definitely has a snappier report, and for me, I think a slight bit more recoil that my kimbers, Baers and Wilsons.
Mickey

shepherddogs · January 31, 2008, 07:12 PM

Definitely 45 for the house. Bigger bullets make bigger holes. Always have always will.

DMK · January 31, 2008, 07:22 PM

I can't decide. I have both. .40S&W and 45ACP (along with 357mag) are my preferred handgun calibers.

If I could have only one handgun caliber, I think I'd choose 10mm and learn to reload.

however, just between .40 and 45ACP, I'd choose .40S&W. I get an extra round. Stopping power is a wash except for trivial differences in theory and on paper. There seem to be more options as far as models of guns by various makers, especially in smaller guns most suitable for CCW.

I don't find one of the other better or worse to shoot. I prefer 165 or 155gr in .40 and 230gr in 45ACP. So comparing those, 45ACP has more recoil, but .40 is slightly more 'abrupt' and sharper (more like midweight 357mag).

Even the ammo cost is close, but 40S&W seems to go on sale more often.

shepherddogs · January 31, 2008, 07:33 PM

When I'm out and about I usually take a Glock 29 in 10mm. I figure if I were to need penetration I have it. Around the house though its going to be up close and I go with the 45. Probably doesn't make a bit of difference. A 175 gr. STHP or a +P230 gr. HP. I wouldn't want to get hit by either one.

orionengnr · January 31, 2008, 07:36 PM

45 acp.

chris in va · January 31, 2008, 07:38 PM

Do a search. It's been discussed at great length before.

Kreyzhorse · January 31, 2008, 08:44 PM

I've got a .40 but if I could have only one, it would be a .45.

Perldog007 · January 31, 2008, 09:32 PM

Ideally, the .45 acp. In reality the .40 cheaper ammo = more practice = better shot placement.

Since I can have more than one I have both and others. As you will also in the fullness of time.

bclark1 · January 31, 2008, 09:34 PM

Whichever one puts one or two holes in the bad guy.

Sigma 40 Blaster · January 31, 2008, 09:38 PM

I'm a new .45 ACP fan.

I have a 9mm, .40, and .45. I shoot my .45 better than all of them. The recoil is not as bad as most proclaim, way more manageable than a .40 (for me) and better than a 9mm for protection (again my opinion). The fact that I shoot it the best is the most important out of anything else.

My .45+P shoots a 230 JHP at almost 1000 FPS...it's very hard to go wrong with that much lead moving that fast.

**44 AMP** · January 31, 2008, 11:32 PM

.45 ACP

The reason, in my case, is that I have no experience with (or use for) the .40/10mm rounds. I have decades of experience with the .45ACP, and many other handgun rounds. So, to choose between something I know well and something I don't know at all, no problem making that choice.

copenhagen · January 31, 2008, 11:50 PM

It is my personal opinion that the .45ACP round is generally more widely available than .40. However, I have noticed that .40cal is becoming more and more popular. Finally, I have to say I choose the .45 because of its wide availability, and I am one of those guys who is always always thinking what if doodoo hits the fan blades and I have to forage for ammo, parts, etc...

s4s4u · January 31, 2008, 11:50 PM

I'd opt for the .40 Long, AKA 10mm. It won't make the grip any fatter and lends the power of the .357 Mag in an auto. Over-penetration???? That's what she said ;-)

novaDAK · February 1, 2008, 03:05 AM

Quote:

I'd opt for the .40 Long, AKA 10mm. It won't make the grip any fatter and lends the power of the .357 Mag in an auto. Over-penetration???? That's what she said ;-)

Pfft. I'll take .45 Super or .460 Rowland. Power of a .44 magnum out of a 1911

Seriously though, I'd take a .45. We know that a .45 hardball has no problem penetrating (or overpenetrating a person) plus with a "flying ashtray" it's a good caliber. That said, there's nothing wrong with the.40, I have one of each (currently working on getting a second .45) and a bunch of 9mms due to the cheeeeep cost of 9mm (well, when I started on 9mm it was $9.99 for 100rds of WWB at wally world

curmudgeon1 · February 1, 2008, 05:03 AM

I chose .45 because when the BG sees the big hole in the
muzzle maybe he'll run and I won't need to shoot and waste money on a defense lawyer in his relatives' civil law suit. (reality, you know.)

ShooterMcGavin · February 1, 2008, 10:26 AM

10mm

Between the two, I'd pick .45ACP EVERY time! I just do not like the recoil of the .40S&W ammo.......I tried to like it but, my .45 and 10mm Glock's are way easier to shoot/control than the G23 .40S&W was, IMO!

akr · February 1, 2008, 10:34 AM

ShooterMcGavin. try shooting the .40 out of an M&P .40. I bet you'll like it much better.

stephen426 · February 1, 2008, 10:40 AM

This debate will be argued until the fat lady sings.

The .40 S&W offer very similar power to a .45 ACP but has higher round capacity in similar sized guns. According to most ballistics tables, the .40 S&W actually has more muzzle energy than the .45 ACP. Penetration is similar between the 2 rounds using the same type of bullets. The .45 is 5/100 of an inch wider and has the ability to expand slightly more than the .40. Will a bad guy care what he gets shot with? With well placed shots, I don't think there is much of a difference either way. In that case, give me a few extra rounds.

Make mine the .40 S&W.

akr · February 1, 2008, 10:42 AM

.22, .38SP, .357 mag, 9mm, .40, & .44, & .45 are my favorite rounds.

DennisD · February 1, 2008, 11:03 AM

Between those two choices, I wouldn't choose by the caliber but by the gun. I'd find the one that I can get into action the fastest and still shoot the best.

January 31, 2008, 06:37 PM	#1
skydiver3346 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,222	.45acp vs. .40 caliber? If you could only choose only one pistol for home defense or personal protection, which would you choose? Considering all things equal, (such as good mfg and dependability, price, etc), Would you choose a .45acp or .40? Should not make any difference if it is a Glock, Sig. etc. It is strictly caliber only. Thanks, Rick

January 31, 2008, 06:42 PM	#2
one7685 Member Join Date: January 28, 2008 Location: Hburg VA Posts: 40	Well personally I would choose the .40. Considering I just bought a .40 and passed on a .45. I think the .40 is a versatile round with the power of a .45 and the control of a 9mm. __________________ "Whatever he hits, he destroys." Rocky IV

January 31, 2008, 06:46 PM	#3
patrol Member Join Date: January 31, 2008 Location: south Posts: 79	12 guage shotgun. __________________ FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE

January 31, 2008, 06:46 PM	#4
MACVSOG Member Join Date: November 28, 2007 Posts: 79	.45acp vs. .40 caliber? Hi At least for me ... I like the stopping power of cal.45. I have an Ultra CDP from Kimber and the only difference in that frame is that in cal .40 you have more rounds. But remember the issue is for self defense no for combat. If you are unable to use 7 or 8 rounds for defend yourself and escape alive something is wrong. Good luck with your choice... Mac

January 31, 2008, 06:51 PM	#6
fairview mick Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2005 Location: North Olmsted Posts: 795	.40 vs .45 I like the .45 and all the 1911's but, I really belive that if you research the ballistics of both, you'll find the .40 has a little more muzzle energy. The .40 definitely has a snappier report, and for me, I think a slight bit more recoil that my kimbers, Baers and Wilsons. Mickey __________________ 90% of my hard earned money went to Hot women, fast bikes and guns. THE REST I WASTED!!!!! Mickey-NRA life member

January 31, 2008, 06:50 PM	#5
Project Galileo Junior Member Join Date: January 31, 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 14	.45 for me.

January 31, 2008, 07:12 PM	#7
shepherddogs Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 1,007	Definitely 45 for the house. Bigger bullets make bigger holes. Always have always will.

January 31, 2008, 07:22 PM	#8
DMK Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2001 Location: Over the hills and far, far away Posts: 3,206	I can't decide. I have both. .40S&W and 45ACP (along with 357mag) are my preferred handgun calibers. If I could have only one handgun caliber, I think I'd choose 10mm and learn to reload. however, just between .40 and 45ACP, I'd choose .40S&W. I get an extra round. Stopping power is a wash except for trivial differences in theory and on paper. There seem to be more options as far as models of guns by various makers, especially in smaller guns most suitable for CCW. I don't find one of the other better or worse to shoot. I prefer 165 or 155gr in .40 and 230gr in 45ACP. So comparing those, 45ACP has more recoil, but .40 is slightly more 'abrupt' and sharper (more like midweight 357mag). Even the ammo cost is close, but 40S&W seems to go on sale more often. __________________ - Homeland Security begins at home: Support your Second Amendment - www.gunowners.org - www.saf.org - act.nraila.org - www.grnc.org

January 31, 2008, 07:33 PM	#9
shepherddogs Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 1,007	When I'm out and about I usually take a Glock 29 in 10mm. I figure if I were to need penetration I have it. Around the house though its going to be up close and I go with the 45. Probably doesn't make a bit of difference. A 175 gr. STHP or a +P230 gr. HP. I wouldn't want to get hit by either one.

January 31, 2008, 07:36 PM	#10
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,177	45 acp.

January 31, 2008, 07:38 PM	#11
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Do a search. It's been discussed at great length before.

January 31, 2008, 08:44 PM	#12
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I've got a .40 but if I could have only one, it would be a .45. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

January 31, 2008, 09:32 PM	#13
Perldog007 Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2007 Location: Estados Unitas / United States Posts: 986	Ideally, the .45 acp. In reality the .40 cheaper ammo = more practice = better shot placement. Since I can have more than one I have both and others. As you will also in the fullness of time.

January 31, 2008, 09:34 PM	#14
bclark1 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,531	Whichever one puts one or two holes in the bad guy.

January 31, 2008, 09:38 PM	#15
Sigma 40 Blaster Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2007 Location: East Texas Posts: 997	I'm a new .45 ACP fan. I have a 9mm, .40, and .45. I shoot my .45 better than all of them. The recoil is not as bad as most proclaim, way more manageable than a .40 (for me) and better than a 9mm for protection (again my opinion). The fact that I shoot it the best is the most important out of anything else. My .45+P shoots a 230 JHP at almost 1000 FPS...it's very hard to go wrong with that much lead moving that fast.

January 31, 2008, 11:32 PM	#16
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,860	Only one choice for me .45 ACP The reason, in my case, is that I have no experience with (or use for) the .40/10mm rounds. I have decades of experience with the .45ACP, and many other handgun rounds. So, to choose between something I know well and something I don't know at all, no problem making that choice. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

January 31, 2008, 11:50 PM	#17
copenhagen Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 592	It is my personal opinion that the .45ACP round is generally more widely available than .40. However, I have noticed that .40cal is becoming more and more popular. Finally, I have to say I choose the .45 because of its wide availability, and I am one of those guys who is always always thinking what if doodoo hits the fan blades and I have to forage for ammo, parts, etc... __________________ 'The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.' Thomas Jefferson National Rifle Association Life Member

January 31, 2008, 11:50 PM	#18
s4s4u Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2007 Location: MN Posts: 365	I'd opt for the .40 Long, AKA 10mm. It won't make the grip any fatter and lends the power of the .357 Mag in an auto. Over-penetration???? That's what she said ;-)

February 1, 2008, 05:03 AM	#20
curmudgeon1 Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2007 Location: n.e. ohio Posts: 544	I chose .45 because when the BG sees the big hole in the muzzle maybe he'll run and I won't need to shoot and waste money on a defense lawyer in his relatives' civil law suit. (reality, you know.)

February 1, 2008, 10:26 AM	#21
ShooterMcGavin Member Join Date: January 9, 2008 Posts: 51	10mm Between the two, I'd pick .45ACP EVERY time! I just do not like the recoil of the .40S&W ammo.......I tried to like it but, my .45 and 10mm Glock's are way easier to shoot/control than the G23 .40S&W was, IMO!

February 1, 2008, 10:34 AM	#22
akr Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,379	ShooterMcGavin. try shooting the .40 out of an M&P .40. I bet you'll like it much better. __________________ Http://www.nationalgunforum.com NRA Lifetime Member

February 1, 2008, 10:40 AM	#23
stephen426 Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Posts: 3,840	This debate will be argued until the fat lady sings. The .40 S&W offer very similar power to a .45 ACP but has higher round capacity in similar sized guns. According to most ballistics tables, the .40 S&W actually has more muzzle energy than the .45 ACP. Penetration is similar between the 2 rounds using the same type of bullets. The .45 is 5/100 of an inch wider and has the ability to expand slightly more than the .40. Will a bad guy care what he gets shot with? With well placed shots, I don't think there is much of a difference either way. In that case, give me a few extra rounds. Make mine the .40 S&W. __________________ The ATF should be a convenience store instead of a government agency!

February 1, 2008, 10:42 AM	#24
akr Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,379	.22, .38SP, .357 mag, 9mm, .40, & .44, & .45 are my favorite rounds. __________________ Http://www.nationalgunforum.com NRA Lifetime Member

February 1, 2008, 11:03 AM	#25
DennisD Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 365	Between those two choices, I wouldn't choose by the caliber but by the gun. I'd find the one that I can get into action the fastest and still shoot the best. __________________ What part of "... shall not be infringed" do you not understand?! NRA Life